Newark Police Academy Graduates After 23 Weeks of Training
NEWARK, NJ – Members of the 115th Newark Police Recruit Class graduated Monday at a Metropolitan Baptist Church ceremony, capping off 23 weeks of training.
Mayor Cory A. Booker, the Newark Municipal Council, Police Director Garry F. McCarthy and other Newark dignitaries swore in the 54 members of the class including 45 males and nine females. The ceremony kicked off with the police recruits marching in cadence from the Oscar Miles Complex on Court Street up Broome Street to the church entrance on Springfield Avenue.
Booker noted that this graduation class has doubled the number of recruits compared to the previous administration and the force now has 1,337 officers.
"A lot of sacrifices went into getting more police officers on our streets," Booker stated. "While other municipalities are laying off police officers, my administration has remained committed to the mission of public safety."
At the ceremony, City Clerk Robert Marasco and Deputy City Clerk Kenneth Louis administered the oaths of office to the recruits.
"The world of policing has changed dramatically since I graduated from the academy, and the mission was not half as difficult as today," said Police Director McCarthy. "Today police officers no longer solve crimes. They prevent crimes. You will save lives. You will make a difference."
Recruits who excelled in various phases of the 23-week training program such as firearms, academics, physical fitness and character, were given awards for their achievements.
"I was surprised when they called my name to receive my award," said Officer Sasskayo Palmer, who topped the nine female recruits by earning the highest physical training score. "The training was very rigorous, but I'm very competitive. I was aiming to get the highest score. I will continue to do the same when I'm out in the field."
Two new officers, Sasskayo T. Palmer and Jimmy Rodriguez, worked for the city before entering the Academy and 12 of the new officers have family connections on the department.
Officer Jose Padilla received the Clarence Cook Award for marksmanship. His sister is 17-year veteran Officer Roxanne Rivera, and their father is Essex County Undersheriff Jessie Padilla.
"My father inspired me to be a police officer," said Officer Padilla. "I hope to live up to my father's achievements."
For Newark Detective Brian Logan, Sr., the graduation of his son, Brian Logan, Jr., was the continuation of a family history of service with the Newark Police Department. Detective Logan's father was one of the earliest African-Americans to serve in the Department.
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